Thyroiditis – A Review

Abstract

DOI = 10.3329/jom.v7i2.1366 J MEDICINE 2006; 7 : 58-63

A case of idiopathic thyroid abscess caused by Escherichia coli

“…Suppurative thyroiditis is a relatively uncommon form of thyroiditis [1]. The primary risk factors for development of a thyroid abscess are immunocompromised status and anatomical abnormalities such as a pyriform sinus fistula [4,5].…”

“…The most common causative organisms for suppurative thyroiditis are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. However, causative organisms are more varied in immunocompromised hosts and can include Pneumocystis jiroveci (carinii), Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Aspergillus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida, Brucella melitensis, and others [1,6]. Thyroid abscess associated with E. Coli is rare.…”

“…Symptoms can be incorrectly attributed to acute pharyngitis leading to a delay in diagnosis. Patients are at risk for rapid extension of the infectious site and can develop signs of airway compromise [1,4,5,11].…”

“…In a review of 191 cases of suppurative thyroiditis from 1980 to 1997, Yu et al reported most of the bacterial infections (83.1%) were euthyroid, while fungal or mycobacterial infections were hypothyroid (62.5%) and hyperthyroid (50%), respectively [12]. Other laboratory investigations may reveal leukocytosis and elevated ESR and CRP [1]. Diagnosis is based on clinical suspicion, and imaging may assist in confirming the diagnosis.…”

“…Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland and may have a variety of etiologies [1]. The thyroid gland is usually resistant to infection due to its rich lymphatic drainage, dual blood supply, encapsulation, and iodine concentration.…”